This special exhibition is dedicated to the Dutch artists' colony in Katwijk and focuses on atmospheric, figure-oriented paintings. The works on display authentically document the harsh life and the daily toil of the fishermen on the North Sea coast.
From September 25, 2026, through February 28, 2027, a comprehensive exhibition will highlight the art-historical significance of the Dutch fishing village of Katwijk. Discovered as a subject by Jan van Goyen as early as the 17th century, this town on the North Sea coast developed into a major magnet for artists from all over Europe beginning in the mid-19th century.
The arrival of Jozef Israëls in 1856 provided a major impetus. He had previously gained formative experiences in Barbizon—the birthplace of European artists’ colonies in France. Numerous other renowned artists soon followed his example, including Max Liebermann and the German painter German Grobe (1857–1938), who is the focus of this exhibition.
Painting from Katwijk is characterized by the fact that it is not the vast landscape but rather people who are at the center of the composition. The artists captured the arduous daily labor of the coastal inhabitants in paintings, some of which are large-scale. Characteristic subjects include traditional Katwijk folk costumes, the typical flat-bottomed boats on the sand, and the lively fish auction right on the beach. Through their rich atmosphere, the works convey an authentic sense of the era.
The exhibition is an official project of the European network euroart. It is the result of a cross-border collaboration between the Katwijks Museum, the Kunstmuseum Ahrenshoop, and the Kunstkaten Ahrenshoop.
